Partnership approach key to tackling Scotland’s rising wildfire threat

Press Release

Delegates at the Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) Moorland Conference heard today that joint working between land managers, rural businesses and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is vital to tackling wildfires and building more resilient landscapes.

The sold-out event attended by 200 landowners, land managers and gamekeepers follows a record-breaking year for wildfire in 2025. This included the devastating Carrbridge-Dava Moor wildfire, which saw more than 36 estates and rural businesses and 110 land managers mobilised in response.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, Head of Prevention at SFRS, spoke about the devastating impact of last year’s Carrbridge-Dava Moor wildfire.

Mr Barbour said: “We are seeing a change in trend with regard to wildfires, which highlights why collaborative prevention work is key to mitigating this. 

“Effective response depends on strong coordination between emergency services, land managers, and rural businesses, both in preparing for incidents and in responding quickly when they occur.”

SLE’s Director of Moorland & Strategic Projects, Ross Ewing, said: “Wildfire has been at the forefront of people’s minds since the devastation at Carrbridge and Dava Moor. These incidents are becoming more severe, more intense and more frequent, threatening not only iconic landscapes and wildlife but also rural communities.

“These incidents cannot be tackled in isolation – they require a coordinated, landscape-scale response. The recent Pentland Hills wildfire, and the prompt action that prevented it escalating, underlines the vital role estates and rural businesses play in working alongside SFRS to respond effectively.

“The experience of those on the ground shows that public-private partnership is essential both to effective response and to better preparation for future wildfires.”

SLE worked with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service to develop Scotland’s first Strategic Action Plan on Wildfire – the first plan of its kind in the UK.

SLE’s report on the Carrbridge-Dava wildfire recommended formalising local networks and funding arrangements to improve access to vital assets and support routine fuel load management. A recent equipment damages grant, coordinated by SLE and made available by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, is one example of how targeted local funding can strengthen future wildfire mitigation and response capability.

Also speaking at this year’s conference was NatureScot Licensing Policy Manager, Jess Findlay, who provided guidance to land managers and gamekeepers on applying for muirburn licences. Muirburn is the controlled, rotational burning of vegetation during the cooler months of the year. Her presentation came as the Scottish Government laid regulations this week to bring the licensing scheme into force ahead of the 2026 muirburn season (15 September to 31 March).

Mr Ewing continued: “It is vital that the new muirburn licensing scheme does not compromise the ability of land managers to reduce fuel loads during the cooler months of the year.

“As well as helping build resilience into Scotland’s landscapes and protect people, property and habitats, muirburn operations are supported by significant private investment in specialist equipment. Without that investment, Scotland’s ability to respond to wildfire events would be significantly weakened.

“SLE will closely monitor implementation of the scheme to ensure estates and rural businesses can continue to play a full role in Scotland’s preparedness for, and response to, wildfire events.”